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Milan

Practical info Milan, Italy

Getting around the city

ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) operates Milan's metro, bus, tram and trolley services, which have the advantage of being integrated. Tickets, available from shops displaying the ATM logo, are validated on-board and then have a time limit of 75 minutes travel on any of the transport options, or one ride on the metro. The city's metro is particularly inexpensive and user-friendly. Linea 1 covers the most important tourist areas near the Duomo. Taxis are freely available but have to be hired at marked stands. Expect extra charges for luggage, night fares, or Sunday travel. Renting a car and driving yourself is not a fun experience in Milan and is best avoided. The historic area around the cathedral is good for pedestrians and a number of attractions can be reached on foot.

Time

GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Electricity

Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.

Currency

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM or bureau de change. ATMs are widespread. Credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than casas de cambios.

Communication

The international access code for Italy is +39. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). All numbers must be preceded by 0, whether originating in Italy or out, unless calling a mobile phone. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 02 for Milan and 06 for Rome. There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use a calling card. Public telephone boxes take phone cards for local and international calls, which can be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Climate

The climate of Milan is Mediterranean, but like any large urban metropolis, buildings and human activity affect the local micro-climate. In the case of Milan this makes the weather rather more extreme. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures rising above 86°F (30°C) during August. The mountains behind the city protect Milan somewhat from the severity of winter, but the weather is very chilly with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. Winter also brings rain showers and heavy fog. Spring (March to May) and early summer (June) are the best time to visit Milan weather-wise, although autumn (September to November) is also pleasant. In late summer, particularly August, it gets uncomfortably hot and many locals depart for their summer break, leaving some restaurants and hotels closed. Winter is a bit cold for most tourists but Milan's attractions are world-class during any season. Milan has a busy event calendar and unless you are travelling particularly to attend a big festival it is best to avoid international events like Milan Fashion Week, because the city gets crowded and more expensive. Essentially Milan is a year-round tourist destination.

Milan Linate Airport

Getting to the city

Bus number 73 runs from Linate Airport to Milan Piazza S. Babila every 10 minutes, between 5.35am and 12.35am, and at a cost of €1.5 per ticket. Alternatively, there is a bus that travels to Milan Central Station every 30 minutes. All buses departing from Linate Airport depart from the area just outside arrivals.

Car rental

Car rental companies at Linate Airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore/National, Sixt and Thrifty, all of which have desks in the arrivals section.

Airport taxi's

Taxi services are available outside the arrivals hall. The journey to the city centre will take 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Shared taxis are available.

Facilities

Facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange, a post office, left luggage and baggage wrapping, a business centre and executive lounge, a pharmacy and first aid station, a hair salon, laundry facilities, a chapel, and an information desk. Duty-free shopping is available, and dining options range from fast food joints to good restaurants.

Parking

Parking comprises about 4,500 spaces. There are both short and long-term parking options available, all within a two-minute walk to the terminals.